Camcorders - is it important to use a tape periodically to..

[Paul]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop,rec.video (More info?)

Is it important to use a camcorder periodically to keep it in good
working order -- specifically recording or playing a tape in it?

I know that question may sound silly, but I have a Canon ZR-80 mini-DV
camcorder that I use 99% of the time for video capture so I rarely use
tapes in it. I was curious if the oil and gear lubricants can become
hardened if I don't use it for months or if I'm worrying for nothing.

In other words, should I periodically exercise a tape through the
camcorder or can I let it sit for months or even a year without
putting a tape in it and expect it to work fine when I finally use a
tape?

Any advice on how often to do this would be appreciated, assuming it
matters at all. Thanks.

 

[Jim]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop,rec.video (More info?)

"Paul" <Paul@post.replies.please> wrote in message
news:40d08dfc.686605286@news.west.cox.net...
> Is it important to use a camcorder periodically to keep it in good
> working order -- specifically recording or playing a tape in it?
>
> I know that question may sound silly, but I have a Canon ZR-80 mini-DV
> camcorder that I use 99% of the time for video capture so I rarely use
> tapes in it. I was curious if the oil and gear lubricants can become
> hardened if I don't use it for months or if I'm worrying for nothing.
>
> In other words, should I periodically exercise a tape through the
> camcorder or can I let it sit for months or even a year without
> putting a tape in it and expect it to work fine when I finally use a
> tape?
>
> Any advice on how often to do this would be appreciated, assuming it
> matters at all. Thanks.


Yes, run a tape every month or 2. Not just to keep things moving, but it's a
good way to check for problems, rather then testing for a gig or a big shoot
a year down the road and having problems then.

Jim

 

[Paul]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop,rec.video (More info?)

Thanks for the replies.

As a quick followup, if I run a tape through my camcorder every month
or two to keep it from dying of non-use, is putting the tape on play
for a while and then rewinding it sufficient?

Also, should I play the entire hour of the mini-DV tape or can I get
away with playing it for a shorter time like 10 minutes?

I don't suppose it matters for the purpose of exercising the camera
and its parts if there is anything recorded on the tape.

On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:23:15 GMT, "Jim"
<jims_dual_xeon(nospam)@hotmail.com> wrote:
>"Paul" <Paul@post.replies.please> wrote in message
>> Is it important to use a camcorder periodically to keep it in good
>> working order -- specifically recording or playing a tape in it?
>>
>> I know that question may sound silly, but I have a Canon ZR-80 mini-DV
>> camcorder that I use 99% of the time for video capture so I rarely use
>> tapes in it. I was curious if the oil and gear lubricants can become
>> hardened if I don't use it for months or if I'm worrying for nothing.
>>
>> In other words, should I periodically exercise a tape through the
>> camcorder or can I let it sit for months or even a year without
>> putting a tape in it and expect it to work fine when I finally use a
>> tape?
>>
>> Any advice on how often to do this would be appreciated, assuming it
>> matters at all. Thanks.
>
>Yes, run a tape every month or 2. Not just to keep things moving, but it's a
>good way to check for problems, rather then testing for a gig or a big shoot
>a year down the road and having problems then.
>
>Jim

 

[Rich]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop,rec.video (More info?)

I usually have several "junk" tapes. Tapes that are not stored rewound for
emergency shooting, testing, experimenting etc.

When we moved to our new residence I had a scenic view. My deck railing had
a portion which I could lay my video camera on to film such a view.

Every few weeks I would take my "junk" tape and shoot about 10 seconds in
wide angle from my deck then zoom in, then pan around the neighborhood and
whatever looked interesting. I then rewind the tape then fast forward to
the end of video and stored the tape at that position (not normally
reccomended). Five years later I ended up with 4 hours of tape to look at.
The different times of seasons and what has changed over the years made for
some interesting semi time lapsed segments I used for some intros and ending
shots.

That analog camera is still working well. I don't know if it was periodic
use or just a good camera and luck, but I think it is 14 years old (whenever
the Canon A-1's came out). As a former electronic technician and aircraft
mechanic I a lot of damage of mechanical items due to sitting and not being
regularly used. Exercise you motor drive, zoom and switches periodically
(within reason).

I wouldn't do 60 minutes, or even 10. Perhaps 5 minutes. Just my opinion.


Rich

"Paul" <Paul@post.replies.please> wrote in message
news:40d5bff1.333541787@news.west.cox.net...
> Thanks for the replies.
>
> As a quick followup, if I run a tape through my camcorder every month
> or two to keep it from dying of non-use, is putting the tape on play
> for a while and then rewinding it sufficient?
>
> Also, should I play the entire hour of the mini-DV tape or can I get
> away with playing it for a shorter time like 10 minutes?
>
> I don't suppose it matters for the purpose of exercising the camera
> and its parts if there is anything recorded on the tape.
>
> On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:23:15 GMT, "Jim"
> <jims_dual_xeon(nospam)@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >"Paul" <Paul@post.replies.please> wrote in message
> >> Is it important to use a camcorder periodically to keep it in good
> >> working order -- specifically recording or playing a tape in it?
> >>
> >> I know that question may sound silly, but I have a Canon ZR-80 mini-DV
> >> camcorder that I use 99% of the time for video capture so I rarely use
> >> tapes in it. I was curious if the oil and gear lubricants can become
> >> hardened if I don't use it for months or if I'm worrying for nothing.
> >>
> >> In other words, should I periodically exercise a tape through the
> >> camcorder or can I let it sit for months or even a year without
> >> putting a tape in it and expect it to work fine when I finally use a
> >> tape?
> >>
> >> Any advice on how often to do this would be appreciated, assuming it
> >> matters at all. Thanks.
> >
> >Yes, run a tape every month or 2. Not just to keep things moving, but
it's a
> >good way to check for problems, rather then testing for a gig or a big
shoot
> >a year down the road and having problems then.
> >
> >Jim
>